In the squadron records for 405 Squadron, there are multiple entries stating that the Master Bomber gave instructions to the attackers using the phrase " Square Mile" ..... I am assuming it was some kind of PFF code. Can anyone offer any insight as to its meaning?
Attacks using the Master Bomber technique used three code words the main force were briefed on. The Master Bomber's code name, the Deputy Master Bomber's code name (which was always the same as the Master Bomber's with "TWO" or "II" added) and the code word for abandon mission. Usually when a code was repeated it was the abandon mission code and crews reported it in debriefings if it had been used so I think in this case they broadcast "Square Mile" to end the attack.
As an example an attack on Fort d'Englos on Aug.9th 1944, the codes for Master Bomber and the Deputy Master Bomber was BRUNETTE & BRUNETTE TWO, abandon mission was VEAL CUTLET.
If you have a date for the attack I may be able to confirm those details.
Thank you Dave for this info...very interesting. I am currently researching operations that my Dad and his crew took part in during the very busy month of July 1944. My Dad's normally meticulously kept logbook is very sketchy in details during this month..he just scrawled in a date and target and thats about it.
The "square mile" notation is used on both the July 2nd raid on the V1 launching site at Ouisemont, and on the July 9th raid on "Dunkirk Area" ( according to Dad's logbook...Bomber Command War Diaries is equally as vague )
Quoting from July 2 raid records ; "M.B. gave square mile early in the raid and repeated it frequently".
Clint - the code SQUARE MILE had a slightly different meaning on both of these attacks. The operational orders specify that the Master Bomber was to broadcast the code in the event that the target indicators could not be seen and upon hearing the code words the Main Force were to bomb using GEE, dead reckoning, "or by any other means".
The attack on July 2nd was the V1 supply site at Oisemont at 49° 58' 25"N 01° 47' 50"E which supplied the nearby launch site. Master Bomber's call sign was CANTER, Deputy Master Bomber's call sign was CANTER 2, the Main Force call sign was TONNAGE.
The attack on July 9th was on the V1 launch site at L'Hey. The Master Bomber's call sign was COACHDOOR, Deputy Master Bomber's call sign was COACHDOOR 2, Main Force call sign was BLOW FLY. Some crews on this attack reported hearing the Master Bomber giving the code SQUARE MILE with instructions to bomb the yellow target indicators if seen.
Dave
-- Edited by dawallace on Thursday 5th of January 2017 01:38:23 PM
-- Edited by dawallace on Thursday 5th of January 2017 01:38:52 PM